Average Cost of Private Duty Nursing in the U.S.
If you’re searching for this online, you’re probably in a tough spot—maybe you or someone close to you needs extra support. I get it; I’ve been there too. Having a dedicated professional by your side can make all the difference, but figuring out how to make it work can be overwhelming.
In this piece, I’ll guide you through what to expect when it comes to typical expenses for one-on-one medical support across the country. We’ll look at actual figures, real-life scenarios, and practical tips. Let’s dive in and unpack the details.
What Is Private Duty Nursing, Anyway?
Before we even talk costs, let’s get clear on what we’re paying for.
This service involves professional support from a licensed provider—either an RN or LPN—delivered where someone lives. It’s different from short-term medical assistance, which insurance often covers. Instead, it’s tailored for longer-term needs and offers one-on-one attention.
These nurses can help with things like:
Administering medications and IVs
Monitoring vital signs
Wound care
Catheter and ostomy care
Feeding tubes
Tracheostomy and ventilator care
And more…
If your loved one has complex medical needs, this kind of care is a game-changer.
So, What’s the Average Cost?
Now, let’s get to the part everyone’s nervous about—the money.
In the U.S., the typical amount for this service usually falls between:
$35 to $70 per hour depending on several factors, which I’ll dive into shortly.
That means if you need full-time care (say, 8 hours a day), you could be looking at $280 to $560 per day.
Multiply that by a week, and you’re talking $1,960 to $3,920 weekly.
Over a month? You’re in the range of $8,400 to $16,800.
And for round-the-clock (24/7) care, that can shoot up to $20,000 to $40,000+ per month.
Yes, I know. It’s a lot.
But keep in mind—these are just estimates. Depending on where you live, their experience, and how much support is required, the amount can go higher or lower.
A Breakdown by Nurse Type
The kind of professional you hire makes a huge difference. As a general guideline:
Hourly rate: $50 to $70
These folks are highly trained and can handle complex medical conditions, administer IV meds, manage ventilators, and more.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN):
Hourly rate: $35 to $55
Slightly less expensive, but still offer skilled care like wound care, meds, and vital signs.
Keep in mind—states like California and New York are usually on the higher end. More rural areas may be cheaper.
Cost by State – A Quick Snapshot
Here’s a quick look at how location impacts what you’ll pay. Check out these rough hourly rates for in-home medical support across different areas:
| State | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| California | $55–$75 |
| Texas | $40–$60 |
| Florida | $38–$55 |
| New York | $50–$70 |
| Ohio | $35–$50 |
| Arizona | $40–$55 |
| Illinois | $40–$58 |
| North Carolina | $38–$50 |
| Washington | $50–$65 |
Again, these are estimates. For exact numbers, you’d want to call local agencies directly.
How Long Will You Need the Nurse?
Here’s the next big question: how many hours a day or week will you need help?
Short-term post-surgical help? You might only need a few hours a day for a couple weeks.
Ongoing chronic illness? You might need 8–12 hours a day or even 24-hour care.
End-of-life care at home? Families often opt for round-the-clock comfort care, and that can be expensive fast.
Let me give you some math to help out:
| Hours/Day | Weekly Cost (Low End) | Weekly Cost (High End) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Hours | $980 | $1,400 |
| 8 Hours | $1,960 | $2,800 |
| 12 Hours | $2,940 | $4,200 |
| 24 Hours | $5,880 | $8,400+ |
Private Nurse vs. Home Health Aide
Let’s not confuse private duty nursing with a home health aide. They are not the same.
They assist with bathing, getting dressed, and simple meal prep, and can sometimes help with medications—but they aren’t qualified to perform medical tasks.
They manage actual medical conditions. These professionals are fully certified and highly skilled.
If they just require assistance with everyday tasks, personal helpers are much more affordable—usually $20–$30 an hour. But if your family member requires medical support, you’ll have to hire a professional.
What Factors Impact the Cost?
There’s a whole cocktail of things that make your price tag go up (or down):
Level of Care Needed
The more complex the care, the more expensive it gets. Ventilator? Tracheostomy? Total IV nutrition? That’s high-level stuff.Credentials of the Nurse
RNs cost more than LPNs. More certifications, more experience = higher cost.Where You Live
Urban areas tend to cost more than rural ones. And states like California and Massachusetts just have a higher cost of living, period.Number of Hours per Week
Some agencies offer discounted hourly rates if you book more hours per week—like a bulk rate.Day vs. Night vs. Weekend Rates
Yep, you guessed it. Nights, weekends, and holidays can cost more.Agency vs. Independent Nurse
Hiring through an agency gives you more security (background checks, insurance, replacements), but it costs more. Going independent might save you money—but you have to do your homework.
Agency vs. Private Hire: What’s the Difference in Cost?
Here’s a little comparison:
| Option | Hourly Rate | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agency Nurse | $45–$70 | Vetted, licensed, insured, backed up | Costs more |
| Independent RN | $35–$55 | Cheaper, flexible | You do the hiring, scheduling, background checks, and tax paperwork |
It all comes down to what you’re comfortable managing.
Does insurance pay for this type of in-home medical support?
Ah, the golden question.
In most situations, it isn’t covered by them. It’s considered “custodial care,” not medically necessary under their guidelines. Ouch, right?
But here are a few other options:
1. Medicaid
If you qualify, some states offer waivers for long-term care at home. You’ll need to check with your state’s Medicaid office.
2. Long-Term Care Insurance
A few policies include it—though what’s offered varies by plan. You’ll want to look into that.
3. Veterans Affairs (VA)
If your loved one is a veteran, the VA has programs that help pay for in-home skilled nursing. Check with your local VA benefits office.
4. Private Insurance
Many plans won’t pay for extended in-home medical support, though they might help with recovery after a hospital stay or brief assistance.
How to Spend Less on One-on-One Medical Support
Nobody likes to skimp on care—but let’s be honest, the costs add up. Here are some real-life money-saving tips I’ve learned:
Mix in lower-cost caregivers.
Hire them for medical needs and have an assistant for everyday support.Use nurses for shorter shifts.
Have them come by a few times daily to handle medications and treatments, then let relatives or an assistant take over the rest.Look into caregiver grants.
Organizations like The National Family Caregiver Support Program can help with resources and sometimes funding.Negotiate weekly or monthly rates.
Some agencies will work with you on cost if you commit to longer-term care.Check out nonprofit agencies.
They sometimes offer sliding-scale fees.
Investing in Dedicated Medical Attention Can Make All the Difference
Yes, it’s pricey—but sometimes, it’s the only way to keep your loved one safe and comfortable at home. Here are a few situations where it’s 100% worth it:
Your loved one just had major surgery and needs constant monitoring.
You want to avoid repeated hospital visits.
You’re caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s and need extra help.
The hospital recommends 24/7 skilled care after discharge.
Peace of mind? It’s hard to put a price tag on that.
What Families Are Saying
To wrap it up, here are a few things I’ve heard straight from folks in the trenches:
“I was paying $50/hour for a nurse to care for my dad in L.A. after his stroke. Yes, it was expensive—but worth every penny. He got to stay home, in familiar surroundings.” – Dana, CA
“In Ohio, I found an independent LPN for $40/hour for my mom with Parkinson’s. She’s like family now. She’s been with us two years.” – Tom, OH
“We had to do a mix—two shifts with a nurse, and overnight help from an aide. It worked for our budget and gave us a little breathing room.” – Susan, FL
Final Thoughts: Is It Right for You?
Having someone there to help is a game-changer, but it’s not always easy to afford. It really comes down to what your loved one requires, how much you can spend, and the level of support they need.
My advice? Talk to a few local agencies. Ask questions. Get quotes. And don’t be afraid to ask if they offer discounted packages or payment plans. You’ve got options.
And above all—don’t do it alone. Whether it’s family, friends, or community resources—there’s help out there.
